The first report that cited smoking as a health hazard was released in 1964 by the then-US Surgeon General. At that time, the number of Americans who smoked was estimated to be 42 %. The CDC study released last week reported that the number of smokers in the US has dropped to below 20 percent for the first time since World War 1.

The report is welcome news to health officials, who caution that we should not be complacent about the drop in numbers. Although we have come a long way in education and prevention strategies, there is still a long way to go, stated a CDC official. Three recent strategies are credited with helping to decrease smoking: bans on smoking in public places, higher prices and taxes on cigarettes, and (perhaps most important) the development of new and better smoking cessation medications and aids to help people quit.

The CDC still credits smoking as being responsible for 80 percent of lung cancer deaths, 30 percent of cancers overall, and 80 percent of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The economic costs associated with lost work time and health care expenditures are estimated by the CDC to be $193 billion per year.

The report offered statistics by sex and race, finding that 17 percent of women smoke, compared to 22 percent of men. By race, whites smoke more than blacks or Hispanics (21 percent, 20 percent, and 13 percent respectively). Asian Americans have the lowest smoking rate at 10 percent, while American Indians and Alaskans share the highest rate at 36 percent.

Related Links:

Video: The Real Cost of Smoking from illumistream

Slightly Lower Adult Smoking Rates CDC press release

Information on Quitting: Resources and Support